FIFA Men’s International Friendly versus the Dominican Republic
National Team Departure, excluding Captain Billy Forbes and Makenson Cadet (travelled different routes).
National Team Arrival with TCIFA President Sonia Bien-Aime, and Director of Sports Jarette Forbes.
Dominican Republic 4, Turks and Caicos Islands 0
Seven young Turks & Caicos Islands players made their international debuts as National Football Team members in the FIFA International Friendly, Dominican Republic versus Turks & Caicos Islands. This game was played on March 22nd at Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Three of the seven young players opened the game, including 17-year-old goalkeeper Pendeino Brooks who competed in the latest FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifiers, the Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship.
The team gave up two early goals during a rocky first ten minutes as this new squad found their feet on a bumpy pitch, and the studied Dominican Republic’s speed of play. Brooks made a number of very good saves and had a great game throughout. The team steadily became more competitive and snatched a couple of chances through the pace and power of returning captain Billy Forbes, one a shot on the turn and also a breakaway.
TCI became tighter in the second half, and although players had to weather a lot of Dominican possession, the defense was on point. Again, there were a couple of breakaway chances and a shot over the bar from Fred Dorvil, and a goal at this point could have given TCI a foothold. In the end, it was not to be, as a late fourth goal from the Dominican Republic came from an unstoppable shot.
During the course of the match, Herby Magny received a dislocated shoulder from a hard blow, but the hasty response of Team Doctor, Matthieu Yeghiazarian, meant a quick recovery allowing Magny to the opportunity to continue. Marcdonald Fenelus, additionally, suffered a knee injury during the first day of training, resulting in his exclusion from the game.
This match was the first step in a new journey for TCI football, on an international level, with a mostly very young squad. The TCI Men’s National Football Team will now prepare for the CONCACAF Nations League, scheduled to begin in September with their first game against Cuba.
Turks & Caicos Islands, Starting 11
Replay:
National Team Captain, Billy Forbes, talks about his call up and how he looks forward to going back in time for Phoenix Rising FC's home opener.
Our own @bforbes7 gets the call up to join @TCIFA_ for their international friendly against the Dominican Republic! The national team captain talks about his call up and how he looks forward to coming back in time for our home opener on Saturday. #RisingAsOne pic.twitter.com/mdXp16QnrF
— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) March 20, 2018
Delegation:
1. Pendieno Brooks
2. Gilbert Tilus
3. James Rene
4. Marcdonald Fenelus
5. Kelly Louima
6. Wildens Delva
7. James Lee Louis
8. Widlin Calixte
9. Jeff Beljour
10. Alexander Bryan
11. Herby Magny
12. Jose Elcius
13. Shinaider Charles
14. Fred Dorvil
15. Markenly Amilcar
16. Marc Fenelus
17. Billy Forbes (Capt.)
18. Makenson Cadet
Head Coach: Karl Wilson
Team Manager: Steven Kendrew
Technical Director: Darren Meehan
Equipment Manager: Fritz Elvariste